The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) strongly supports passage of the Stopping Harmful Offers on Platforms by Screening Against Fakes in E-Commerce (SHOP SAFE) Act of 2021. 

“E-commerce platforms create opportunities for legitimate companies to grow and reach new consumers, providing them with more choices and greater convenience,” PCPC CEO Lezlee Westine said in a statement. “However, the current structure is vulnerable to exploitation and contributes significantly to a rise in illicit trade. Counterfeit personal care products damage businesses, disregard regulatory protections and more importantly threaten consumers’ health and safety.”

The legislation was introduced by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY); Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet Chairman Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA); Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet Ranking Member Darrel Issa (R-CA); and Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA).
 
“Consumers should have the same assurance that the products they purchase online are as safe and effective as the products they purchase in a brick and mortar store,” said Westine. “Our member companies invest substantial resources to ensure the safety and quality of their products and US laws hold our members accountable for doing so. The SHOP SAFE Act would even the playing field.”
 
PCPC encourages Congress to establish a system that makes online marketplaces and others responsible for ensuring that products on their e-commerce platforms comply with US laws and regulations. According to the Council, legislation should also establish a minimum threshold for submission and validation of identification, banking and product authentication documentation to provide consumers greater confidence that the products they purchase are authentic and safe.
 
“We look forward to working with members of Congress and other stakeholders to raise awareness and develop solutions to combat the online sale of counterfeit products and establish stronger consumer protections,” Westine concluded.